Welcome to The Pinch Podcast, where heartbreak meets hard truths. In this post-play-off special, we confront the gut-punch of Wembley defeat and explore the real lessons from Sheffield United’s 2024/25 season. From Chris Wilder’s risk-averse tactics and missed attacking fluidity, to urgent calls for smarter recruitment and a proactive board, we break down what went right, what should change, and why the board shouldn’t press the panic button.

In this special play-off final edition of The Formline, Sam and Riley step in to assess Sheffield United’s chances at Wembley after a dominant semi-final showing. With Sunderland pulling off a dramatic turnaround of their own, it’s set to be a clash packed with nerves, history, and high stakes—the richest game in football and that big white arch awaits.

With the Blades back in the mix and the stakes sky-high, we’re joined by EFL expert and Not The Top 20 co-host George Elek to break it all down. NTT20 LIVE IN SHEFFIELD: Alongside Not The Top 20 co-host Ali Maxwell, he will be playing live at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, at the Crucible! This is happening on Saturday 5 July, kicking off at 3pm. You can book tickets here: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/book/instance/822201

The Pinch Podcast returns with part one of our play-off preview, diving deep into our semi-final clash with Bristol City. Expect analysis, optimism (yes, really), and a bit of tactical talk.

As the Blades head into the final day of the season, Sam, David and Riley pick out some key performances from the past three games and agree on the team they don't want to face in the play-offs.

A horrible run of three defeats on the bounce has put the Blades at the back of the queue for the automatic spots – David Taylor, Sam Parry and Riley Roberts pull it apart with one eye on leadership.

Sam, David and Riley cast their eye over one of the youngest squads in the Championship, zooming in on four players - as is Formline tradition - Seriki, Peck, Brooks and Cannon. There's also a bit of time to assess the Coventry game, and the elephant in the room, Riley's harsh ratings.

Sam, David and Riley review the previous four fixtures and look ahead to the four matches to come – plus points predictions, opposition run-ins and a hint of derby double revelry.

United Voices 1.03 | In this latest episode of our United Voices series, Sam and David chat with artist Marty Griot. His work brings colour to matchdays and beyond, bleeding into its environment. We discuss past, present and future, as well as inspiration and aspiration, plus a quick catch-up about last week’s defeat to table-toping Leeds United.

thepinch.uk/

Which individuals could make the biggest impact in the final 13 games? That’s the question we’re debating on the latest podcast. Sam picks four, Riley picks four, and David adjudicates—no easy task when there is only one shared pick. As we arrive at the final four, we also discuss the question of whether you’d be buying or selling the Sheffield United performance dip.